Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order my products directly from Hollister?
No. We are an ostomy products manufacturer and do not sell directly to product users.

How do I order Hollister products?
Hollister has offices and product distributors nearly everywhere in the world. To get information on how to order our products, please visit our Where to Find Us page and contact the location closest to you.

What ostomy products does Hollister sample?
Hollister offers free samples of many of our ostomy pouching systems and accessories. You can try samples to ensure that you find the right product for you.

How can I order free samples of Hollister products?
In the “PRODUCTS” section of our website:

1. Click on “Ostomy Care Products”
2. Find the product that you want to sample and click on it
3. On that product page click the “Request free samples” button, which will bring you down the page to the product list
4. Find the specific product that you want and click on the “Request Free Sample” shopping basket icon next to the product number; this will add the product to your basket
5. Add up to seven products to your basket
6. When you’re finished selecting samples, click on the BASKET icon (which is at the top of the page, next to the Hollister logo)
7. Click “View Basket” to confirm your items
8. Click “Checkout”, fill out the sample order form, and submit your free sample order

What do I do when I experience skin irritation and/or leakage?
The skin under your pouching system should look like the skin on the other side of your abdomen – no irritation, rashes, or redness. If you experience any issues, contact your ostomy care nurse or healthcare professional. In addition, we have resources to help you identify and manage common peristomal skin problems, including:

• Peristomal Skin Assessment Guide
• Peristomal Skin Health articles
• Maintaining Healthy Skin articles
• SKIN HEALTH tips sheet

How can I avoid peristomal skin issues?
Having an ostomy puts your peristomal skin at risk for irritation, since removing the skin barrier may cause trauma to your skin and stool/urine may come into contact with your skin. The skin around your stoma deserves advanced protection. That’s why Hollister is devoted to providing you a secure comfortable fit to prevent leakage and a ceramide-infused barrier to help keep your skin healthy. Watch this video to learn more about ceramides.

• Peristomal Skin Health articles
• Maintaining Healthy Skin articles
• SKIN HEALTH tips sheet

How do I report a product quality issue?
Hollister takes product quality very seriously and we want to know if one of our products is not functioning as intended. If you are experiencing an issue, contact us with the product reference number and LOT number (found on your product box; see image below), a detailed description of what is happening, and the quantity of products that were affected. We will ensure that your quality issue is reported properly.

Should I use any ostomy accessories? If so, how do I use them?
Ostomy accessories can help you achieve a good seal with your pouching system, keep your peristomal skin healthy, and assist with issues such as pouch ballooning and pouch emptying. Each accessory serves a specific function and should be used only when indicated. To determine what accessories might address your issues and needs, read Your Guide to Essential Ostomy Accessories in our Ostomy Learning Centre.

In addition, we have care tips for many of our Hollister Adapt ™ accessory products that discuss when they can be used, and include photos and step-by-step instructions for proper application. Click the links below to view care tips for specific products. You can also view our “Using Ostomy Accessories” ostomy educational theatre videos.

• Adapt™ Barrier Rings
• Adapt™ Convex Barrier Rings
• Adapt™ Lubricating Deodorant
• Adapt™ Ostomy Belt
• Adapt™ Skin Barrier Paste
• Adapt™ Stoma Powder
• Adapt™ Medical Adhesive Remover Spray

Can I use a stoma cap if I have a colostomy or ileostomy?
A stoma cap is designed for people with a colostomy who regulate their stoma output through colostomy irrigation*. If you do not irrigate and are thinking about using a stoma cap as a smaller pouch, this may not be the best option. Consider a closed or drainable mini ostomy pouch instead for activities such as swimming or intimacy. These pouches are smaller and more discreet than regular-sized pouches.

*Colostomy irrigation is a way to manage bowel movements by emptying the colon at a scheduled time. To determine if colostomy irrigation is appropriate for you, consult with your healthcare professional.

I have a urostomy. Should I use a nighttime drainage collector?
Because urine flow is fairly constant, it can be surprising how a urostomy pouch may fill through the night without your knowledge. Many people with urostomies choose to use a bedside drainage collector, which allows the urine to flow into a bedside collector while they sleep rather than taking trips to the bathroom to empty their pouch. You can connect your urostomy pouch to a bedside drainage collector by using a urostomy drain tube adapter.

Choosing an Ostomy Pouching System

How do I know which ostomy pouching system is the best for me?
When selecting a pouching system, you want to find a product that provides you with a secure seal around your stoma and helps maintain healthy skin. Your stoma care nurse can help you find a product that will work for you. To learn more about how to choose ostomy products, read the Using Ostomy Products articles in our Ostomy Learning Centre.

Using Ostomy Pouching Systems

How do I measure my stoma?
Measure your stoma using a stoma measuring guide before every skin barrier application. Stoma measuring guides are included in Hollister cut-to-fit skin barrier product boxes, and are also available through your ostomy care nurse. It is especially important to measure the stoma regularly during the first six to eight weeks after surgery, until the stoma size stabilises. After that time, measure periodically. When measuring your stoma, be sure there is no skin showing between the guide and the stoma. For more information, view our How to Measure Your Stoma video.

How do I cut my skin barriers?
First, measure your stoma using a stoma measuring guide. Then, trace the determined barrier size opening onto the skin barrier. Using a small curved scissors, carefully cut an opening in the skin barrier to match the pattern. Do not cut beyond the line on the release liner. The skin barrier should fit where your skin and stoma meet. Verify that no skin is showing between the skin barrier and your stoma to help prevent leakage and skin irritation. For more information, read our care tips on how to apply a one-piece pouching system or a two-piece pouching system. You can also view our “Using Pouching Systems” ostomy educational videos.

How do I prepare my skin before putting on a new ostomy pouching system?
Less is more when caring for the skin around your stoma. For most people, water is sufficient for cleaning the skin. If soap is needed, use a mild bar soap without lotions or creams that may leave a residue or film on your skin and possibly interfere with the adhesive. Skin protective wipes or sprays are not recommended under extended wear skin barriers as this may decrease your wear time (i.e., how long you can wear your skin barrier before it fails). Make sure the peristomal skin is clean and dry before applying your skin barrier.

If you develop red, itching, irritated, or broken peristomal skin, seek the assistance of a healthcare professional. In addition, we have resources to help you identify and manage common peristomal skin problems, including:

• Peristomal Skin Assessment Guide
• Peristomal Skin Health articles
• Maintaining Healthy Skin articles
• SKIN HEALTH tips sheet

How do I apply my ostomy pouching system?
For step-by-step instructions, read our care tips on how to apply a one-piece pouching system or a two-piece pouching system, or view our “Using Pouching Systems” ostomy educational videos.

How often should I empty my ostomy pouch?
Pouch volume varies by pouch type but we suggest emptying your pouch when it is 1/3 to 1/2 full of output or gas. Do not let the pouch overfill, and be sure to empty it before activities and before bedtime. For more information, view our “Using Pouching Systems” ostomy educational videos.

Can I put water or oils in my ostomy pouch to make emptying easier?
Rinsing out your pouch with water is not necessary or recommended. Getting water near the edge of the stoma and skin barrier may cause the adhesive skin barrier to break down, which can lead to leakage. A lubricating deodorant made specifically for ostomy pouching systems, such as Adapt™ Lubricating Deodorant, can help make pouch emptying easier and is most suitable for those with colostomies or ileostomies. Do not put oils, cooking sprays, or other products not intended for use with an ostomy in your pouch.

How often should I change my ostomy pouching system?
Change your skin barrier on a routine basis. You will get more comfortable with this after you learn what works best for you. Wear time (i.e., how long you can wear your skin barrier before it fails) is based on many factors including skin condition, stoma output, abdominal creases/folds, and humidity. We do not recommend a wear time longer than five to seven days. For additional guidance, read Your Ostomy Pouching System and Wear Time in our Ostomy Learning Centre. You can also view our “Using Pouching Systems” ostomy educational videos.

Why did my ostomy pouching system suddenly stop working well?
There are several reasons why you may suddenly need to change your pouch more frequently. A leaking pouching system is not normal and you should seek the advice from your ostomy care nurse.

Types of Ostomy Skin Barriers

Does Hollister have pre-sized skin barrier options available?
Hollister has many pre-sized skin barrier options. Pre-sized skin barriers are intended for round stomas that have maintained a consistent size. Stoma size will change during the first six to eight weeks after surgery and may change with any weight gain or loss. Measure your stoma frequently to ensure it is maintaining a consistent size.

What are convex skin barriers, and does Hollister offer them?
Convex skin barriers may help promote a good fit between the ostomy pouching system and the peristomal skin. Convex barriers curve outward and push down on the skin immediately surrounding the stoma (i.e., the peristomal skin) to open or flatten skin folds. They can also help the stoma protrude more, which will help direct the drainage into the pouch.

Hollister offers two types of convex skin barriers. Our soft convex skin barriers have a flexible design and may help provide gentle pressure around the stoma to help obtain the right fit. We also offer firm convex barriers if needed to achieve a proper seal around the stoma. In addition, Adapt™ convex barrier rings can be used to create convexity and help prevent ostomy output from getting under the ostomy skin barrier.

Contact an ostomy care nurse if you experience stoma/peristomal changes, pouching system leakage, or weight gain/loss that may have impacted your skin barrier seal. For more information on convexity, view these materials:

• Using Convexity
• Convex Barrier Options
• Where a Soft Convex Skin Barrier May Improve Fit
• “How to Use Adapt™ Convex Barrier Rings” ostomy educational video

Ostomy Pouch Features

What features do Hollister ostomy pouches have?
Hollister ostomy pouches come in different lengths and with many different features to suit your needs. Some of the most common features are:

• Drainable Pouch Closures – Hollister drainable pouches are open at the bottom to allow for emptying and require a closure to keep them closed. There are two types of pouch closures: a clamp closure or an integrated closure.
• Urostomy Pouch Tap – The Hollister urostomy pouch has a tap to either close or drain urine from the pouching system. The tap has a teardrop indicator that shows whether the tap is open or closed.
• Pouch Filters – Many Hollister ostomy pouches include our integrated AF300™ filter that allows air to escape from the pouch without an odor, and helps prevent the pouch from inflating like a balloon. This filter is protected with a material that eliminates the need for a sticker when showering or swimming.
• Visibility – Hollister offers both transparent and opaque pouch options. You can select a pouch that has an opaque soft covering on the front to help increase your comfort and provide added discretion. Alternatively, you can select a pouch with a transparent front for visibility. All of our pouches have a soft panel on the body side. In addition, we offer a viewing option on some of our one-piece pouching systems that provides the discretion of an opaque panel and the visibility of a clear pouch all-in-one.

How does an ostomy pouch filter work?
Some pouches include filters that help minimise gas from buildup, so the pouch does not inflate like a balloon. A pouch filter is designed to deflate the pouch when there is gas and to neutralise the gas odour. The keys to filter performance are airflow, deodourisation, and liquid protection. For more information, read Tips for Minimising Ostomy Odours and Gas in our Ostomy Learning Centre.

Will water ruin an ostomy pouch filter?
Our AF300™ filter, available on many of our ostomy pouches, is designed with a material to protect the filter from water. Therefore, it does not need to be covered when showering or swimming.

How do I use the Lock ‘n Roll™ microseal closure?
The Lock ‘n Roll™ microseal closure is a feature on many Hollister drainable ostomy pouches. For more information and step-by-step usage instructions, read our Lock ‘n Roll™ Microseal Closure Care Tips.

How do I use the drain tap on Hollister urostomy pouches?
The tap is a twist valve that you can turn to open and close it. In order to make urine flow, the teardrop must be facing away from your body. To make sure the drain valve is closed, the teardrop must be facing towards your body. For more information, view our “How to Empty a Urostomy Pouch” ostomy educational video.

Special Uses

What is the best ostomy pouch to use when prepping for a colonoscopy?
We recommend using a 12” (30 cm) drainable ostomy pouch or an irrigation sleeve when prepping for a colonoscopy procedure. During your preparation, you should expect to drain your pouch more frequently than normal. Regardless of the drainable pouch you choose, it is important to empty the pouch when it is 1/3 to 1/2 full.

What pouching system should I use for my high output ostomy?
Hollister offers a high output pouch with a soft tap drain that fits comfortably against the skin and eases pouch emptying. This pouch may be connected to a bedside drainage collector with no need for an adapter. These pouches are most suitable for fecal ostomies with liquid output. They are not suitable for urostomies with urine output.

What products do I use for a fistula?
A fistula is an abnormal opening between two hollow organs, or between a hollow organ and the skin. If the fistula output is minimal, gauze dressings may be sufficient for containment. However, if the fistula output volume is significant or frequently soaks through the dressing, a pouch may be more appropriate. Most pouching options can be used to manage a fistula. Please contact your healthcare professional to determine what pouching system is best to manage your fistula output. Please note that insurance may not cover the pouches. Please contact your insurance provider to discuss product coverage. For more information, read our Fistula Management Care Tips.

Is my Hollister ostomy pouching system safe for an MRI?
All of the Hollister one- and two-piece ostomy pouches and skin barriers (with the exception of the soft wire closure found on our preemie and newborn pediatric pouches and our colostomy irrigation sleeves) are non-magnetic and non-metallic, which is considered to be MRI-safe. Any of our accessory products that come in a pump-spray should not enter the MRI room due to the metal spring in the pump. Generally, if a product does not contain metal, it is safe for use in an MRI. However, we have not tested each of our products individually to assess compatibility for use in a Magnetic Resonance Environment. View a list of Hollister products tested specifically for safety in a Magnetic Resonance Environment.

What ostomy products are best for those with manual dexterity issues?
Many ostomy products offer features that may make it easier for those with dexterity challenges to manage their pouch changing routine independently:

• Pre-sized skin barriers eliminate the step of cutting the barrier opening with a scissors, and are intended for round stomas that have maintained a consistent size
• The Lock ‘n Roll™ microseal closure on Hollister drainable pouches may be more manageable for those with dexterity challenges. Aligning and pressing the centre of the security flap to the outer edges allows the user to feel the interlocking fasteners seal and ensure that the pouch is securely closed.
• Two-piece pouching systems make an audible click when the flange of the barrier and pouch lock together. However, an advantage of one-piece pouching systems is that they eliminate the need for this extra step, since there is no flange to snap together.
• Integrated pouch filters, such as the Hollister AF300™ filter, release deodorized gas from the pouch and minimise gas buildup – which can eliminate the need to “burp” the pouch

Daily Life With an Ostomy

What foods should I eat if I have an ostomy?
Food can make life even more enjoyable. Thankfully, a stoma should not keep you from loving food, or sharing a meal with family and friends. Each person is unique and everyone reacts differently to certain foods, regardless of whether or not they have a stoma. It is usually good to eat a variety of foods in moderation. Along with exercise, this can help to achieve and maintain good health. In addition, by following some simple guidelines and avoiding certain foods, those with colostomies and ileostomies can avoid any problems – such as gas, diarrhoea, constipation, and blockages.

For more information on how to eat after ostomy surgery, read Settling Into a Diet After Ostomy Surgery and other articles on healthy eating in our Ostomy Learning Centre. You can also view our “What can I eat?” ostomy educational video.

Can I get back to sports and being active with an ostomy?
The first few weeks or even months following your operation may be difficult as you adjust gradually to having a stoma. However, once you’re fully recovered and settled at home, returning to the lifestyle you enjoyed before your procedure should be possible. As long as you have no complications and your healthcare professional has no objection, you can enjoy almost any kind of activity, including sports.

For more guidance, read Exercise, Diet and Hydration: Dos and Don’ts and other fitness-related articles in our Ostomy Learning Centre. You can also view our “Sports and Fitness” ostomy educational video.

Can I swim, or go in a hot tub or sauna with my ostomy pouch?
People with ostomies are able to swim and go into a hot tub or sauna with their ostomy pouch. However, heat and moisture can reduce the wear time of your pouching system (i.e., how long you can wear your skin barrier before it fails), so you may have to change it more often. For an extra sense of security, empty your pouch beforehand.

For more tips, read 6 Helpful Tips for Swimming With a Stoma in our Ostomy Learning Centre.

Can I take a bath or shower while wearing my ostomy pouching system?
With an ostomy, you can shower or bathe just as you did before. You may shower or bathe with your pouching system on or off – the choice is yours. Soap and water will not flow into your stoma or hurt it in any way. Soap residue can sometimes interfere with how well the skin barrier sticks to your skin, so choose a cleanser that is free from all moisturisers, oils, and residue. If you use a two-piece pouching system and you choose to remove the pouch while showering or bathing, we suggest also removing the skin barrier to prevent exposing it to too much moisture.

For more tips, read Essential Hygiene and Peristomal Skin Care Tips in our Ostomy Learning Centre.

Family and Relationships With an Ostomy

How will having an ostomy affect my sex life?
All people, no matter their age, relationship status, culture, or orientation are sexual beings. “Sexuality” is the way we experience and express ourselves as sexual beings, and is a fundamental part of who we are. People with stomas can have intimate relationships in the same way as people without stomas.

It’s possible to continue to have a healthy sex life – or even improve upon it – after ostomy surgery. For more information on sexual issues, read 5 Common Intimacy Concerns – And What to Do About Them and other intimacy-related articles in our Ostomy Learning Centre. You can also view our “Love and Sex” ostomy educational video.

Does having an ostomy affect pregnancy and childbirth?
Having a stoma should not impact your ability to conceive a child, and it should not affect your pregnancy. In addition, a woman with an ostomy can have a normal labour and delivery.

For more information read Pregnancy with an Ostomy and other articles related to pregnancy and childbirth in our Ostomy Learning Centre.

Travel With an Ostomy

What do I need to know if I am going to travel?
As long as your healthcare professional has cleared you for resuming your normal activities, there is no reason why having a stoma should stop you from traveling anywhere in the world. The key is planning. If you plan and organise ahead of time, you will be prepared for the new situations you will encounter.

For more information on how to enjoy worry-free trips, read 5 Smart Packing Tips for Travel with an Ostomy and other travel-related articles in our Ostomy Learning Centre. You can also view our “Can I still travel?” ostomy educational video.

How do I handle airline security checkpoints?
Your local ostomy association or support group may offer a travel communication card that explains the need for your ostomy pouches, skin barriers, and medications to help avoid extra questions at customs and/or security checkpoints. The card also may be helpful if you need more supplies or medical recommendations while traveling abroad. In addition, it’s a good idea to bring along a letter from your healthcare professional that explains your medical condition.

Some airlines don’t allow scissors on the aircraft, even for ostomy products. So, if you use a cut-to-fit skin barrier, be sure you have several barriers cut ahead of time so that you have enough for the flight. You can pack your scissors in your checked luggage. Check with your airline, as well as with your country’s federal travel agency for more information on what is allowed on board.

For more information on how to enjoy worry-free trips, read Travel Prep – 5 To Dos if You Have a Stoma and other travel-related articles in our Ostomy Learning Centre. You can also view our “Can I still travel?” ostomy educational video.

What support resources are available for me as a caregiver?
Caring for someone with an ostomy can be both physically and emotionally challenging, yet also rewarding. There are different types of ostomy surgeries, so it is important to work with your healthcare professional to understand which surgery they are going to have, or have just had. Understanding the basics about their ostomy and learning the necessary caregiving skills prior to discharge will help you be more prepared. Since recovery time in the hospital is usually short, plan to schedule learning sessions as soon as possible.

Hollister offers booklets, articles, and videos to support your learning process – such as Caring for Your Loved One With an Ostomy.

How do I keep my loved one with dementia/Alzheimer’s from taking off their ostomy pouch?
If your loved one is pulling off their ostomy pouch, a one-piece pouching system may make it more difficult for them to do so. With this type of system, the skin barrier is permanently attached to the pouch, so it’s a single unit. Adaptive clothing, ostomy belts, and ostomy wraps are also available, and may help deter premature removal of the pouching system.

What ostomy products are best for those with manual dexterity issues?
Many ostomy products offer features that may make it easier for those with dexterity challenges to manage their pouch changing routine independently:

• Pre-sized skin barriers eliminate the step of cutting the barrier opening with a scissors, and are intended for round stomas that have maintained a consistent size
• The Lock ‘n Roll™ microseal closure on Hollister drainable pouches may be more manageable for those with dexterity challenges. Aligning and pressing the centre of the security flap to the outer edges allows the user to feel the interlocking fasteners seal and ensure that the pouch is securely closed.
• Two-piece pouching systems make an audible click when the flange of the barrier and pouch lock together. However, an advantage of one-piece pouching systems is that they eliminate the need for this extra step, since there is no flange to snap together.
• Integrated pouch filters, such as the Hollister AF300™ filter, release deodourised gas from the pouch and minimise gas buildup – which can eliminate the need to “burp” the pouch

How do I keep an ostomy pouch on my active child?
Children are naturally curious about their bodies and things around them. The pouch is no exception. It can help to dress your child in a one-piece outfit that holds the pouch more securely and deters exploration. Two-piece outfits make it easier to empty the pouch but the lower part may slide down and, in the process, pull the pouch off.

For more information on caring for babies and older children with stomas, read our Caring for Your Child with an Ostomy guide.

What do I need to know when sending my child to school with an ostomy?
Others may be curious as to why your child had the operation. How much or how little you share is up to you and your child. Honest and simple explanations often work best. For younger children, the Ostomy Shadow Buddy may help them talk about their ostomy.

Make sure your child’s teachers and the school nurse are aware of your child’s different needs. It may be a good idea to leave extra ostomy products with the nurse. For more information on caring for children with stomas, read our Caring for Your Child with an Ostomy guide.